An air fryer is a type of countertop cooking appliance which, like a convection oven, uses a heating element in conjunction with a powerful fan to circulate hot air. Without actually frying, air fryers produce foods that are crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. Philips invented the first air fryer, which debuted in 2010 at a European consumer electronics show. Since then, the category has grown exponentially. Today’s air fryers are divided into two types: those with cooking baskets and those that look like toaster ovens but have an air fryer convection function feature. They are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, colours, and weights.
Working of Air Fryers
Convection heat is used in air fryers to cook foods so that they are browned and crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside. Cooking with an air fryer is faster and less messy than deep frying or traditional oven roasting. Another advantage of air frying is that it uses very little oil.
At temperatures around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, perforated baskets, wire racks, or ceramic plates with holes allow hot air from above to circulate around food. This first cooks the outside and seals in the moisture. If you’re looking for convenience, some models come with preset programmes that allow you to cook common foods at the touch of a button. Additionally, you might have a preference for digital controls for time and temperature regulation over analogue dials (think LEDs and touchscreens).
Single-zone or basket-style models have cooking baskets similar to those found in conventional deep fryers. Some are large enough to roast an entire 3-pound chicken, such as the Cosori Air Fryer Oven Combo 5.8-Qt. Max XL, which ranks eighth in our list of the Best Air Fryers of 2023. Others offer side-by-side cooking options, such as the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-Qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer, which ties for fourth place among the Best Air Fryers of 2023.
Are Air Fryers healthy?
It depends because only the food you cook in an air fryer can be healthy. When you prepare processed foods in an air fryer, such as chicken wings, french fries, and mozzarella sticks, they don’t instantly turn into healthy foods. Dehydrating fresh produce can lower the fat and calorie content, as can cooking it in other ways, such as air frying chicken or frying brussels sprouts or cauliflower wings.
When air frying at home, you have more control over the oils that are used, allowing you to choose ones that are less likely to contain harmful trans fats than those used in restaurant kitchens. The research into the health benefits of using air fryers is limited and provides mixed results.
What can’t you make in an air fryer?
Although air fryers are excellent for crisping foods, there are some situations in which they should not be used. Liquids should not be cooked in an air fryer because they can easily spill and splatter, even if they’re heated in a heat-resistant vessel. You should also avoid using an air fryer for foods that require a wet batter, such as tempura, because the coating does not set quickly enough to stick, resulting in drips and smoking as well as a failure to produce crispy food.
We don’t recommend using an air fryer for most baking tasks as most cannot bake because the heating elements are only on the top of the unit, as opposed to the top and bottom of a toaster oven or oven. The basket or shelf design also limits the size of your baked goods in general. Air fryers, on the other hand, are ideal for browning desserts such as baked apples or individual-sized crumbles.
Cooking greasy foods in an air fryer should be avoided. Use a lower temperature when air frying something greasy to help reduce splattering, that can cause grease to hit the elements and create smoke.
What to look for when selecting the best air fryer?
Size
For how many individuals will you be cooking for at the same time? A compact size is appropriate for one to two people, while a larger size is appropriate for three or more.
Style
Basket-style air fryers are perfect for small batches and easily shaken foods like fries and vegetables. Air fryer ovens are bigger and can air fry food on multiple shelves, but they require more monitoring and food rotation while cooking. In addition to air frying, air fryer toaster ovens can perform other cooking functions such as baking, roasting, and broiling.
Multifunctionality
If you’re looking for another appliance, toaster ovens, microwaves, pressure cookers, steamer cookers, and even full-sized ovens are incorporating the air fry option into their designs, so putting your money in a multifunctional appliance may be a good value (and takes up less space!).
Are air fryers useful and worth the investment?
If you like to cook foods quickly with minimal cleanup, air fryers are worth the investment. Sure, some are bulky and may feel like a takeover of your counter space, but most people who use them quickly realise the benefits. They’re especially useful for prepackaged frozen foods and leftovers, such as french fries or dumplings, which would otherwise become soggy or rubbery in a microwave. People generally like to use these for quick dinners. All proteins, such as chicken, pork chops, and salmon, cook quickly and become golden brown and juicy, while vegetables become nicely blistered or caramelised.
Therefore, air frying is generally considered to be healthier than oil frying. It reduces calories by 70-80% and contains significantly less fat. This cooking method may also reduce some of the negative effects of oil frying. If you want to lose weight, replacing deep-fried foods with air-fried foods is a great way to start.
Although, always keep in mind to buy the GoWarranty extended warranty plan for your air fryer in order to keep it safe and for its smooth functioning for a longer period.
